Courchevel Luxury Resort, French Alps: Ski in Royal Style

Resorts & Spas; Courchevel in the French Alps, home to both some of the world's best skiing and its most expensive real estate, plays host to the jetset, royalty - it's where Prince William took his girlfriend last winter - and an increasing number of Russian oligarchs. Not everyone can afford a chalet there, but it's well worth the splurge for a stay at the luxurious five-star Hotel de Charme Les Airelles, which recently completed a three-year, $50 million renovation. The public areas of the historic hotel, including the lobby bar, living room lounge and library, as well as guestrooms and suites on the first floor have been given a complete makeover. Les Airelles features a magnificent 7,000-sq.-ft. spa, an exclusive Valentino boutique, and three dining options including the sumptuous Pierre Gagnaire Restaurant.

The Spa features soothing waterfalls, a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor whirlpool bath, Turkish bath, hammam, saunas, an aromatic jet shower system and a snow cave. The 37 guestrooms and 14 suites are equipped with flat screen TV's and built-in DVD players, sound dock, video-on-demand service, jukebox and wireless high-speed Internet access. Most of the suites have a fireplace inviting guests to relax, and bathrooms are equipped with steam showers. For the ultimate in luxury, the 5,900-sq.-ft. Apartment Suite on the stop floor features four bedrooms all with private baths, a private spa, screening room and a 1,600-sq.-ft. terrace with an outdoor Jacuzzi and a view of the coveted Courchevel slopes.